New Australian Premier II Yearling Sale Grosses $601,970

Sixty-seven yearlings sold for a gross of 1,021,500 Australian dollars (approximately $601,970 in U.S. funds) and an average of 15,246 Australian dollars ($8,984) during the inaugural premier II yearling sale at Oaklands Thursday. William Inglis & Son conducted the auction. The company's associate director and Melbourne manager, Peter Heagney, introduced the premier II session as a result of the record nominations for the premier sale. Vendors who were unable to have yearlings accepted for premier I were invited to nominate for either the premier II or the autumn yearling sale.

"It was encouraging to see the enthusiasm of buyers here at Oaklands today with strong demand on the more forward colts and fillies," Heagney said. "I was delighted for those vendors who supported this sale as results exceeded our expectations." "Today was the 'icing on the cake'. The premier I result was outstanding and I could not be any happier with today's results."

Robbie Griffiths and Chefs On The Run were the most active buyers at the premier II sale, purchasing five yearlings, including lot 521, the joint top-priced yearling of the auction. The General Nediym -- Azzetta colt was offered by Yallambee Stud, as agent, and was knocked down for 47,500 Australian dollars ($27,992).

Lot 526, a General Nediym colt produced from Born to Thrill, fetched the same money from Lauriston Thoroughbreds VIC. The consignor was Newlands Thoroughbreds, agent.